Testimonials

YNS & Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Duain Wolfe, conductor of the Chicago Symphony Chorus

YNS enjoyed the unique experience of singing with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in December 2018. The director of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Duain Wolfe, came to Naperville ahead of the concert series to help Mrs. Johnson prepare Bella Cantare and Bella Voce for the concerts. Duain Wolfe said the following about YNS:

“The Young Naperville Singers proved to be a delight in every respect when they performed on our annual holiday concerts, Merry, Merry Chicago, this past December. They were extremely well prepared by their excellent and musically astute director, Angie Johnson, so they were sufficiently flexible to adapt to the myriad new challenges they faced when they arrived at Orchestra Hall to work with the members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and our guest conductor.

As Chorus Director for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, I went to Naperville and worked with the students before they came downtown to work with the orchestra. It was an absolute pleasure. They were attentive, respectful, and they concentrated on making the adjustments I was asking for. Furthermore, their singing was beautiful — a full-bodied tone that rang with the intensity that is needed for singing with an orchestra.

I am very impressed and I look forward to our next opportunity to engage them for performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.”

Testimonials

John Testimonial

“What a fortunate find YNS has been to our family! YNS has been something that every one of our kids (seven so far) has wanted to be a part of. It has filled their desire to be part of something larger than themselves, and to become very skilled at something beautiful! It has become an essential and integral part of their education. Having the music theory, solfege, sight-reading and performance opportunities have been a perfect fit for our family.”

— John, parent of seven YNS singers past and present

Peyton Raleigh Testimonial

“Being a part of YNS has changed my life for the better. I have been able to learn the skills of musicianship and have grown as a leader through countless opportunities within YNS. I have also developed lifelong friendships and have had the opportunity to explore other cultures through music and tours. My only regret is that I didn’t audition for a YNS choir sooner!”

— Peyton Raleigh, age 17

Caitlin Testimonial

“Young Naperville Singers has been my passion, my dedication, and my home for the past 12 years. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunities, traveling experiences, life-long friendships, and musical brilliance, coming full circle at the end of my grade school years.

Rarely does one encounter an experience as engaging and musically rewarding as YNS. It is an amazing feeling to know that you are in a community that shares your passion for music.”

— Caitlin, age 17

A. George Pradel Testimonial

“When you sing, you represent Naperville and you do it so well that we will always remember the joy and enthusiasm that you express through music.”

— A. George Pradel, Mayor of Naperville, 1995-2015

The Chicago Tribune Testimonial

“The connection between dedicated directors and talented children is evident whenever Young Naperville Singers performs. The clear, true music expressed by talented young voices is showcased in a combination of the sacred and secular, classical and contemporary, touching and comical.”

— The Chicago Tribune

Jay Kellner Testimonial

“YNS students who arrive in my choirs at Neuqua far exceed most students in a great variety of ways, including score reading skills, pitch accuracy, vocal technique, ensemble awareness, respect for others and the rehearsal process, general leadership characteristics, and an awareness of what it takes to remain focused over the long term of concert preparation while working towards incremental goals that accumulate and ultimately lead to great successes. YNS students are instilled with artistry, they ‘get it’, they appreciate literature of the highest quality and want to work hard at achieving great things. When a new student tells me they are in YNS, I smile!”

— Jay Kellner, Choral Director, Neuqua Valley High School, Naperville, IL

Bob Chilcott Testimonial

“I really enjoyed my few days with the Young Naperville Singers. They are truly lovely kids who love singing together and make a fantastic sound. Angie Johnson is the remarkable lady at the centre of this choral organization which gives 350 children a most extraordinary musical experience.”

— Bob Chilcott, Choral Composer, Conductor and Singer

Dr. Ramona M. Wis Testimonial

“Young Naperville Singers is the most “on-purpose” community musical organization I have seen in a very long time. They bring so much to their singers, the community, and the wider profession. Truly, they are leaders in the youth choral movement and will be for years to come.”

— Dr. Ramona M. Wis, Mimi Rolland Distinguished Professor in the Fine Arts, Chair and Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities, North Central College, Naperville, IL

Eric A. Johnson Testimonial

“Thank you SOOO much for all the work you did to make our collaboration between CC and YNS such a huge success. Your organization and attention to details of the concert were inspiring and your support team made the concert run like clockwork … what is still reverberating in my heart are all of your beautiful singers and the spirit, community, and musical excellence you have created. You and the singers were on task at all times, attending not only to musical nuance but even more importantly, the heart and soul of each work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you are doing for the children that are lucky enough to learn from you. Not only are their lives being changed, but you are helping your community find beauty and joy in troubled times.”

— Eric A. Johnson D.M.A., President and Founding Artistic Director, Cor Cantiamo, Director of Choral Activities, Northern Illinois University, Past-President, IL-ACDA

Carling Fitzsimmons Testimonial

“The instruction at YNS is second to none. In only one year, our nine-year-old daughter has gained vocal skills and techniques that she will use for a lifetime.”

— Carling Fitzsimmons, Artistic Director of La Caccina

Duain Wolfe Testimonial

“The Young Naperville Singers proved to be a delight in every respect when they performed on our annual holiday concerts, Merry, Merry Chicago … They were extremely well prepared by their excellent and musically astute director, Angie Johnson, so they were sufficiently flexible to adapt to the myriad new challenges they faced when they arrived at Orchestra Hall to work with the members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and our guest conductor. They were attentive, respectful, and they concentrated on making the adjustments I was asking for. Furthermore, their singing was beautiful — a full-bodied tone that rang with the intensity that is needed for singing with an orchestra. I am very impressed and I look forward to our next opportunity to engage them for performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.”

— Duain Wolfe, Chorus Director, and Conductor, Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Andrea Ramsey Testimonial

“The Young Naperville Singers and their staff are bright reflections of the best humanity has to offer: excellent singing balanced with heart, community, and camaraderie. It was a delight to compose for them and to spend time in their rehearsals and with their conductors.”

— Andrea Ramsey

Amanda and Tim Barger Testimonial

“YNS has been wonderful for all three of our sons! They have received excellent vocal training, made close friendships, and have experienced performances they wouldn’t otherwise be able to. The staff, accompanists, and directors are irreplaceable.”

— Amanda and Tim Barger

Luke and Annie Murray Testimonial

“The instruction at YNS is second to none. In only one year, our nine-year-old daughter has gained vocal skills and techniques that she will use for a lifetime.”

— Luke and Annie Murray, Aria parents, June 2019

JoLynn Mitchell Testimonial

“We love the leadership skills and positive energy our son has gained from being in YNS! He looks forward to the time he has each week with other boys who love to sing, and Mr. Henry is an amazing director!”

— JoLynn Mitchell, Ragazzi Mom, June 2019

Video Testimonials

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